Seven swimmers from Powell River Aquatic Club competed in their first meet of the season, the Cowichan Valley Breakers 10th annual Icebreaker Invitational Swim Meet on Saturday, June 1 and 2. The athletes are coached by Mary Maguire and Alex Jevons.
“It was really good; they definitely stayed strong throughout the winter,” said Maguire of the local competitors. “There were tonnes of best times. which is really all that matters in swimming, even if you’re just improving by a couple milliseconds. We had a massive percentage of people who took time off.”
For a few of the athletes, it was their first introduction to competition, added Maguire.
“We had some new swimmers who it was actually their first meet, ever,” she said. “I’m extra impressed with that, getting the first meet under their belts.”
Londyn Waterton represented the club in division one, placing eighth in the 50-metre freestyle, fourth in 50-metre backstroke, sixth in 50-metre breaststroke and fifth in the 100-metre freestyle.
In division two, Brier Gordon placed 12th in 50-metre freestyle, fifth in 50-metre backstroke and sixth in the 100-metre freestyle.
Paige Spence, also in division two, placed 14th in 50-metre freestyle, 11th in 50-metre fly, eighth in 50-metre backstroke, fifth in 50-metre breaststroke and eighth in the 100-metre freestyle.
In division three, Madison Giesbrecht placed third in the 100-metre individual medley (IM), third in 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre fly and 50-metre backstroke, fourth in 50-metre breaststroke and 100-metre freestyle.
Representing division four, Hannah Giesbrecht placed ninth in the 200-metre IM, 16th in 50-metre freestyle, eighth in 50-metre fly, 12th in the 100-metre backstroke, seventh in the 100-metre breaststroke and 11th in the 100-metre freestyle.
Ayva Gunther placed first in the 100-metre backstroke, second in 200-metre IM, 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre fly and 100-metre breaststroke, and third in the 100-metre freestyle.
Hayes Waterton competed in the novice category.
Next up, the team will be attending a meet in Oak Bay on June 15 and 16.
